Heart rate and QRS duration as biomarkers predict the immediate outcome from pulseless electrical activity.

INTRODUCTION: Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is commonly observed in in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Universally available ECG characteristics such as QRS duration (QRSd) and heart rate (HR) may develop differently in patients who obtain ROSC or not. The aim of this study was to assess prospectively how QRSd and HR as biomarkers predict the immediate outcome of patients with PEA. METHOD: We investigated 327 episodes of IHCA in 298 patients at two US and one Norwegian hospital. We assessed the ECG in 559 segments of PEA nested within episodes, measuring QRSd and HR during pauses of compressions, and noted the clinical state that immediately followed PEA. We investigated the development of HR, QRSd, and transitions to ROSC or no-ROSC (VF/VT, asystole or death) in a joint longitudinal and competing risks statistical model. RESULTS: Higher HR, and a rising HR, reflect a higher transition intensity ("hazard") to ROSC (p < 0.001), but HR was not associated with the transition intensity to no-ROSC. A lower QRSd and a shrinking QRSd reflect an increased transition intensity to ROSC (p = 0.023) and a reduced transition intensity to no-ROSC (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: HR and QRSd convey information of the immediateoutcome during resuscitation from PEA. These universally available and promising biomarkers may guide the emergency team in tailoring individual treatment.

Pulseless electrical activity in in-hospital cardiac arrest - A crossroad for decisions.

BACKGROUND: PEA is often seen during resuscitation, either as the presenting clinical state in cardiac arrest or as a secondary rhythm following transient return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia (VF/VT), or asystole (ASY). The aim of this study was to explore and quantify the evolution from primary/secondary PEA to ROSC in adults during in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). METHODS: We analyzed 700 IHCA episodes at one Norwegian hospital and three U.S. hospitals at different time periods between 2002 and 2021. During resuscitation ECG, chest compressions, and ventilations were recorded by defibrillators. Each event was manually annotated using a graphical application. We quantified the transition intensities, i.e., the propensity to change from PEA to another clinical state using time-to-event statistical methods. RESULTS: Most patients experienced PEA at least once before achieving ROSC or being declared dead. Time average transition intensities to ROSC from primary PEA (n = 230) and secondary PEA after ASY (n = 72) were 0.1 per min, peaking at 4 and 7 minutes, respectively; thus, a patient in these types of PEA showed a 10% chance of achieving ROSC in one minute. Much higher transition intensities to ROSC, average of 0.15 per min, were observed for secondary PEA after VF/VT (n = 83) or after ROSC (n = 134). DISCUSSION: PEA is a crossroad in which the subsequent course is determined. The four distinct presentations of PEA behave differently on important characteristics. A transition to PEA during resuscitation should encourage the resuscitation team to continue resuscitative efforts.

When do trauma patients lose temperature? - a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypothermia in trauma patients is high and rapid recognition is important to prevent further heat loss. Hypothermia is associated with poor patient outcomes and is an independent predictor of increased mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in core body temperature of trauma patients during different treatment phases in the pre-hospital and early in-hospital settings. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study in severely injured patients. Continuous core temperature monitoring using an epitympanic sensor in the auditory canal was initiated at the scene of injury and continued for 3 h. The degree of patient insulation was photo-documented throughout, and graded on a binary scale. The outcome variable was temperature change in each treatment phase. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included with a median injury severity score (ISS) of 21 (IQR 14-29). Most patients (N = 16, 73%) were already hypothermic (< 36°C) on scene at their first measurement. Twenty patients (91%) became colder at the scene of injury; on average, the decline was -1.7°C/h. Full clothing reduced this value to -1.1°C/h. Temperature remained essentially stable during ambulance and emergency department phases. CONCLUSION: Trauma patients are at risk for hypothermia already at the scene of injury. Lay persons and professionals should focus on early prevention of heat loss. An active, individually tailored approach to counter hypothermia in trauma should begin immediately at the scene of injury and continue during transportation to hospital. Active rewarming during evacuation should be considered.

Effects of age and gender on the serum levels of clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum concentrations of second-generation antipsychotics in relation to age and gender in a population ranging from 18 to 100 years. METHOD: Results from a routine therapeutic drug monitoring database were retrieved, and 43 079 samples from 11 968 patients were included (17 249 samples for clozapine, 16 171 samples for olanzapine, 5343 samples for risperidone, and 4316 samples for quetiapine). The dose-adjusted concentration was used as the primary target variable. A linear mixed model was used to allow the inclusion of multiple samples from each patient. RESULTS: Age had a significant impact on the concentrations of all four drugs. At the age of 80, the dose-adjusted concentrations were up to twice those of the age of 40. At the age of 90, dose-adjusted concentrations were two- to three-fold higher. Age-related increases were largest for clozapine (+108% at 80 years; +197% at 90 years) and smallest for olanzapine (+28% at 80 years; +106% at 90 years). Females generally had dose-adjusted concentrations 20-30% higher than males. CONCLUSION: The effect of age on the serum concentrations of the antipsychotics studied becomes pronounced with advanced age. The patient population aged above 70 should be subdivided according to exact age, and considerable dose reductions are recommended.

Synchronizing thermodilution cardiac output measurements with spontaneous breathing does not improve precision.

INTRODUCTION: Measuring cardiac output (CO) with the pulmonary artery catheter intermittent bolus thermodilution technique (PAC-IBTD) is less precise with spontaneous breathing compared to controlled ventilation. We aimed to test if precision could be improved in spontaneous breathing by synchronizing the measurement with respiration or using instructed respiration in 18 post-operative cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: We performed eight CO measurements with PAC-IBTD using cold saline in three different situations; in random order: 1) random compared to respiration, 2) timed to the start of expiration, and 3) synchronized with a slow exhalation through a PEP-flute. We calculated the standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and precision in the total material and in the three situations using a linear mixed effects model. RESULTS: A total of 408 CO measurements were performed in 17 included patients. There were no differences between the three study situations regarding mean or precision. The overall CO was 6.0 ± 1.4 l/min (mean ± SD), CV 6.2% and precision 12.2% for single measurements. Averaging three measurements increased the precision to 7.0%. CONCLUSION: We could not improve the precision of PAC-IBTD in spontaneously breathing patients by synchronizing the measurements with respiration.

Temperature measurements in trauma patients: is the ear the key to the core?

INTRODUCTION: It is important to monitor the core temperature in a severely injured patient. The choice of method is controversial, and different thermometers and sites for measurement are used. The aim of this study was to investigate continuous epitympanic temperature measurement using an auditory canal sensor in potentially severely injured patients and to compare this method with other commonly used devices. METHODS: In this cohort of potentially severely injured patients, the core temperature was registered continuously using an epitympanic sensor in the auditory canal, beginning at the accident scene through the first hours after admittance to the hospital. According to clinical practice, other methods of measurement were employed during pre- and in-hospital diagnostics and therapeutics. The consistency between different methods was analysed using Bland-Altman plots, and the limits of agreement (LOA) and bias between methods was estimated. RESULTS: During the study period, 18 patients were included. A total of 393 temperature measurements were obtained using seven different methods. We found that temperature measurements in the auditory canal agreed satisfactorily with most other types of measurements. The most consistent measurement was observed with bladder measurements (bias 0.43 °C, LOA -0.47, 1.33 °C), which was constant over the temperature range investigated (30.0-38.3 °C). CONCLUSION: Epitympanic temperature measurement in potentially severely injured patients was consistent with other methods that were commonly used to measure core temperature. The difference between measurement methods appeared to be constant over the relevant temperature range. Continuous epitympanic thermometry can be considered a reliable, cost-effective and simple alternative compared with more invasive methods of thermometry.

Transversus abdominis plane block vs. wound infiltration in Caesarean section: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies suggest that transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block (without intrathecal morphine) after Caesarean section (CS) reduces post-operative morphine consumption. In our study, we wanted to compare the analgesic effect of TAP block with infiltration of the wound after CS. METHODS: We included 60 pregnant women scheduled for elective CS under spinal anaesthesia in a randomised, single-centre, double-blind study. Thirty patients received ultrasound-guided TAP block using 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% with adrenaline 5 µg/ml bilaterally and 20 ml normal saline as wound infiltration (TAP group). The other 30 patients (the control group) received normal saline 20 ml bilaterally in the TAP, and 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% with adrenaline 5 µg/ml as wound infiltration. The main outcome was cumulative morphine consumption at 48 h after surgery. In addition, continuous morphine consumption, pain scores and side effects were registered. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients completed the study. Cumulative morphine consumption at 48 h (mean±standard deviation) was 41±34 mg in the TAP group and 38±27 mg in the control group (P=0.7); a difference of 3 mg (95% confidence interval -13 to 19 mg). Morphine consumption at any time up to 48 h was virtually identical in both groups. Side effects were similar, except for a higher degree of sedation in the TAP group (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Compared with wound infiltration with local anaesthetics, TAP block did not reduce cumulative morphine consumption following CS. The TAP block was associated with more pronounced sedation.

Pre-hospital critical care by anaesthesiologist-staffed pre-hospital services in Scandinavia: a prospective population-based study.

BACKGROUND: All Scandinavian countries provide anaesthesiologist-staffed pre-hospital services. Little is known of the incidence of critical illness or injury attended by these services. We aimed to investigate anaesthesiologist-staffed pre-hospital services in Scandinavia with special emphasis on incidence and severity. METHODS: This population-based, prospective study recorded activity in 16 anaesthesiologist-staffed pre-hospital services in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden serving half of the Scandinavian population. We calculated population incidence of medical conditions, and the proportion of patients with severely deranged vital signs and/or receiving advanced therapy. RESULTS: Four thousand two hundred thirty-six alarm calls were recorded during 4 weeks. Two thousand two hundred fity-six alarms resulted in a patient encounter. The population incidence varied from 74.9 missions per 10,000 person-years (Denmark), followed by Finland with 14.6, Norway with 11, and Sweden with 5. Medical aetiology was most frequent (14.9 missions per 10,000 person-years, 95% CI: 14.2-15.8). Trauma was second (5.6 missions per 10,000 person-years, 95%CI: 5.12-6.09). Twenty-three per cent of patients had severely deranged vital functions, and advanced emergency medical procedures were performed in every four to twelve encounters (Denmark 8%, Sweden 15%, Norway 23%, and Finland 25%). The probability that the patient was physiologically deranged, received advanced medication, or procedure was 35%. Critical illness or injury occured at a rate of 25-30 per 10,000 person-years. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of pre-hospital anaesthesiologist patient encounters in Scandinavia varies. Medical aetiology is most frequent. Almost one-quarter of patients presents with deranged vital functions requiring emergency measures. The Scandinavian pre-hospital population incidence of critical illness and injury is 25-30 per 10,000 person-years.

High and sustained efficacy after two sessions of topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma: a prospective, clinical and histological 10-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged follow-up data on topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are necessary for a full evaluation of its effect and for comparison with conventional treatment methods. OBJECTIVES: To assess 10-year long-term PDT efficacy in primary and recurrent BCC and to evaluate clinical and histopathological factors which may be associated with treatment failure. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal study on 60 histologically verified BCCs in 44 patients treated with curettage and one or two sessions of dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO)-supported topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA)-based PDT. Treated lesions were investigated by clinical and histopathological examination at regular intervals. The main outcomes were 10-year lesion complete response rate using a time-to-event analysis, histological treatment failure and cosmesis. RESULTS: Overall complete response rate for all lesions was 75% (95% confidence interval 64-87%); 60% after one and 87% after two treatment sessions. The response rate was 78% for primary lesions; 63% after one and 90% after two sessions. The cosmetic outcome was rated as good or excellent in 91-100% of evaluated cases. Treatment failure was documented in 15 (25%) of 60 lesions; clinical investigation identified 14 of them. All failures were noted within 3 years of treatment. Male gender, recurrent tumour and one treatment session were factors significantly associated with treatment failure. The only lesion larger than 2·0 cm relapsed. CONCLUSIONS: Two sessions of DMSO-supported topical ALA-PDT and curettage can provide long-term effective treatment results with favourable cosmetic outcome in primary, small BCC.

Photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolaevulinic acid, dimethylsulfoxide and curettage in basal cell carcinoma: a 6-year clinical and histological follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Long-term follow-up data are needed to evaluate treatment effect after photodynamic therapy (PDT). OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term clinical, histological and cosmetic follow-up results in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) after PDT, including treatment response related to patients and lesion characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal study of 44 patients with 60 histologically verified BCC tumours, treated with one or two sessions of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-supported 5-aminolaevulinic acid--PDT following curettage, was performed. Lesions in complete remission after 3 months were followed with clinical inspection, histological investigation and evaluation of cosmetic outcome at regular intervals; long-term efficacy assessed as verified recurrence within 72 months after PDT. RESULTS: Complete remission at 3 months was achieved in 55 lesions from 39 patients. Two patients with one lesion each died. At 72 months, 43 of 53 lesions remained disease-free (81%); 68% remained after one treatment session, and 91% remained after two treatment sessions. Recurrence of tumour occurred at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months in 2, 4, 2 and 2 lesions, respectively; clinical investigation identified 97% of them. Male sex and H-mid-face zone were significantly associated with recurrence. The cosmetic outcome at 72 months was rated as good or excellent by patients and investigators in more than 90% of evaluated cases. CONCLUSION: DMSO-PDT following curettage is an effective treatment for BCC, with favourable long-term clinical, histopathological and cosmetic results. Clinical examination of treated lesions appears to be sufficient for long term follow up.

Cytological diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis, using Papanicolaou and May-Grünwald-Giemsa stained cutaneous tissue smear.

OBJECTIVE: Cytology may become the diagnostic method of choice with the advent of new non-invasive treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer, as the sampling technique for cytology entails little tissue disfiguration. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the diagnostic performance of scrape cytology using two different cytological staining techniques, and to evaluate additional touch imprint cytology, with that of histopathology of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and actinic keratosis (AK). METHODS: We investigated 50 BCC and 28 AK histologically verified lesions, from 41 and 25 patients, respectively. Two separate skin scrape samples and one touch imprint sample were taken from each lesion. The smears were stained with Papanicolaou (Pap) or May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) stains. All cytological specimens were examined in random order by pathologists without knowledge of the histology. Cytodiagnostic results were compared with the histopathological report. RESULTS: Scrape cytodiagnosis agreed with histopathology in 48 (Pap) and 47 (MGG) of the 50 BCC cases, and in 26 of 28 (Pap) and 21 of 26 (MGG) AK cases, yielding sensitivities of 96%, 94%, 93% and 81%, respectively. No significant difference in sensitivity between the two staining methods was found but a trend towards higher Pap sensitivity for AK was noted (P = 0.10). Touch imprint cytology confirmed histopathology in 38 of the 77 cases of BCC and AK. CONCLUSION: Cytological diagnosis with either Pap or MGG stain for BCC and AK is reliable, and differentiates well between BCC and AK. Imprint cytology proved to be non-diagnostic in half of the examined cases.

Overtriage in trauma - what are the causes?

BACKGROUND: Different criteria are employed to activate trauma teams. Because of a growing concern about overtriage, the objective of this study was to investigate the performance of our trauma team's activation protocol. METHODS: Injured patients with trauma team activation (TTA), admission to an intensive care unit or surgical intermediate care unit with a trauma diagnosis, or trauma-related death in the emergency department were investigated retrospectively from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2005. Different TTA criteria were analysed with respect to sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and overtriage (1 - PPV). RESULTS: Eight hundred and nine patients were included, 185 (23%) of whom had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of more than 15. The performance of our protocol showed a sensitivity of 87%, PPV of 22% and overtriage of 78%. The mechanism of injury as a TTA criterion had a sensitivity of 14%, PPV of 7% and overtriage of 93%. Physiological/anatomical criteria and interfacility transfer showed higher PPV and less overtriage. Undertriage (no TTA despite ISS > 15) was identified in 23 patients (13%), 18 of whom were hospital transfers. CONCLUSION: A TTA protocol based on physiological, anatomical and interfacility transfer criteria seems to yield a higher precision than, in particular, that based on mechanism of injury criteria. Because of substantial overtriage in our hospital, the TTA protocol needs to be re-evaluated.

Lactate and glycerol released to the intestinal lumen reflect mucosal injury and permeability changes caused by strangulation obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluates whether microdialysis of glycerol and lactate reflects mucosal injury and permeability changes after strangulation obstruction of the pig small intestine. METHODS: Strangulation obstruction was induced by tightening a rubber band around a small bowel loop until its venous pressure increased to a level just below diastolic aortic pressure (partial strangulation), or further until cessation of flow in the main feeding artery (total strangulation). Mucosal injury and permeability of marker molecules from blood to lumen and vice versa was compared to release of glycerol and lactate to the intestinal lumen. RESULTS: Mucosal injury, hyperpermeability, and release of glycerol were more pronounced after total than after partial strangulation. In animals with partial strangulation there was a complete restitution of the surface epithelium, and luminal glycerol and lumen-to-blood permeability of polyethylene glycol 4000 remained low. Such animals showed a sustained elevation of lactate and blood-to-lumen permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran after 2 h of partial strangulation, but a decline to baseline levels of these parameters in animals with 1 h partial strangulation. CONCLUSION: Microdialysis of lactate and glycerol in the intestinal lumen may be used to assess structural and functional changes of the intestinal mucosa after strangulation obstruction.

Rectal lactate levels in endoluminal microdialysate during routine coronary surgery.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the feasibility of intestinal endoluminal microdialysis as a new method for clinical monitoring of the adequacy of splanchnic perfusion in the large bowel. A microdialysis catheter for continuous lactate, glycerol, glucose and pyruvate measurements attached to a tonometric catheter was placed into the lumen of the recto-sigmoid junction prior to surgery in 13 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Lactate was also measured in blood and muscle. CPB was associated with a 10-fold increase in luminal lactate from 0.16 (0.01) to 1.67 (0.38) mmol x l(-1) (p < 0.001). Muscular lactate increased from baseline levels 1.20 (0.21) to 1.77 (0.36) mmol x l(-1) during CPB (p = 0.01), but the muscular lactate-pyruvate ratio remained unchanged. Arterial lactate increased only slightly from 0.9 (0.05) to 1.1 (0.06) mmol x l(-1) (p = 0.027) during CPB. Increased lactate concentrations in the large bowel during CPB are suggestive of local lactate production consistent with impaired oxygen delivery. Intestinal endoluminal microdialysis is a potential clinically applicable method for monitoring intestinal metabolism. Combined with tonometry, microdialysis provides the opportunity to monitor both circulation and metabolism in the rectal mucosa.

Two years of continued early treatment for recent-onset schizophrenia: a randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This random-controlled study evaluated benefits derived from continued integrated biomedical and psychosocial treatment for recent-onset schizophrenia. METHOD: Fifty cases of schizophrenia of less than 2 years duration were allocated randomly to integrated or standard treatment (ST) for 2 years. ST comprised optimal pharmacotherapy and case management, while IT also included cognitive-behavioural family treatment, that incorporated skills training, cognitive-behavioural strategies for residual psychotic and non-psychotic problems and home-based crisis management. Psychopathology, functioning, hospitalisation and suicidal behaviours were assessed two monthly and a composite index, reflecting overall clinical outcome was derived. RESULTS: IC proved superior to ST in reducing negative symptoms, minor psychotic episodes and in stabilising positive symptoms, but did not reduce hospital admissions or major psychotic recurrences. The composite index showed that significantly more IC patients (53%) had excellent 2-year outcomes than ST (25%). CONCLUSION: Evidence-based treatment achieves greater clinical benefits than pharmacotherapy and case management alone for recent-onset schizophrenia.

Helicopter transport of sick neonates: a 14-year population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The Norwegian Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) employs anesthesiologists and paramedics who are not formally trained in neonatology to provide stabilization and transport of sick neonates. We describe neonatal transport by HEMS in central Norway and report the outcome. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of HEMS missions during the 14-year period 1988-2001. RESULTS: A total of 252 neonates were transported, indicating a prevalence of 0.90 per 100 newborn. Median response time was 42 min, on-scene stabilization time 38 min and transportation time 30 min. Median gestational age (GA) was 38 weeks and 4.8% of the neonates were <1000 g and/or <28 weeks. Main clinical problems were respiratory disease, asphyxia and malformations; 30 neonates (12%) died within 1 year. No deaths were transport-related. Tube or ventilator problems were noted in seven out of 66 transports of ventilated neonates. Other technical problems were few. Regarding ventilation, oxygenation and circulation, the clinical condition of most neonates improved during transport and the median temperature rose from 36.5 degrees C to 37.0 degrees C. Hypoglycemia (<2 mmol l(-1)) was documented in 19 missions after transport; of these, eight received a glucose infusion. Four neonates might have profited from HEMS-delivered surfactant therapy. DISCUSSION: Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in central Norway provides rapid medical assistance in a wide spectrum of neonatal problems, but more attention should be paid to proper ventilation and prevention of hypothermia and hypoglycemia.

Mixed venous oxygen desaturation during early mobilization after coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Early postoperative mobilization induces a marked reduction in mixed venous oxygen saturation (S(v)O(2)) after aortic valve replacement. We investigated whether a similar desaturation occurs among coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients, and if the desaturation was related to the preoperative ejection fraction (EF). METHODS: Thirty-one CABG patients with a wide range in EF were included in an open observational study. We recorded hemodynamic and oxygenation variables during mobilization on postoperative day 1 and day 2 using a pulmonary artery catheter. RESULTS: Patients with an EF ranging from 24 to 87% were mobilized without clinical problems. S(v)O(2) at rest was 65.4 +/- 4.9% (mean +/- SD) on day 1 and 64.3 +/- 5.8% on day 2 (NS). During mobilization, cardiac index and oxygen delivery were reduced while oxygen consumption was increased (P-values: 0.000, 0.007 and 0.000, respectively). Consequently, oxygen extraction increased, resulting in a marked reduction in S(v)O(2)-42.9 +/- 8.3% on day 1 and 47.4 +/- 8.5% on day 2 (P = 0.025 between days). Several pre-, intra- and postoperative factors were tested as possible predictors for S(v)O(2) during mobilization. No factor contributed substantially. CONCLUSION: Patients with CABG exhibit a marked desaturation during early postoperative mobilization. Preoperative ejection fraction did not affect S(v)O(2) during exercise. The clinical consequences and underlying mechanism require further investigation.

Epidural bupivacaine with sufentanil or fentanyl during labour: a randomized, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Epidural analgesia with bupivacaine plus either sufentanil or fentanyl is widely used during labour, but it is not clear which opioid is to be preferred. The study compared these opioids at equianalgesic doses in terms of analgesia, onset time and side-effects. METHODS: Ninety females in active labour were entered into the randomized, double-blind trial. A test dose of bupivacaine was given into the epidural space. Parturients in Group S received sufentanil 8 mL as a bolus dose, followed by an infusion at a rate of 5 mL h(-1) of a mixture containing sufentanil 1 microg mL(-1) and bupivacaine 1 mg mL(-1). Patients in Group F received fentanyl 8 mL as a bolus, followed by an infusion at 5 mL h(-1) of a solution containing fentanyl 3.5 microg mL(-1) and bupivacaine 1 mg mL(-1). Additional boluses of 5 mL were of the relevant solution were given if necessary. RESULTS: In a ratio of 1.0:3.5 (sufentanil 1 microg versus fentanyl 3.5 microg), both groups reported the same analgesia with the same onset time. The onset time to obtain 50% of the initial visual analogue score was 10 and 11 min for Groups S and F, respectively. Mean visual analogue scores in Groups S and F respectively declined from 77 and 82 before epidural blockade, to 29 and 27 during the first stage of labour, and to 69 and 59 respectively during the second stage. Overall satisfaction among parturients was high (98 and 96%), particularly during the first stage (98 and 98%), and also to a large degree during the second stage of labour (74 and 79%). Furthermore, only a few extra bolus doses were required (mean 0.9 and 1.2, Groups S and F, respectively). All the females could stand on their own, and almost all (81% Group S; 79% Group F) could walk 20 m without help. There were no serious adverse effects. Moderate side-effects occurred equally often with the possible exception of less nausea and vomiting in the fentanyl group. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural analgesia for ambulatory parturients with bupivacaine plus either sufentanil or fentanyl (ratio 1.0:3.5) provides good analgesia with a low frequency of modest side-effects. No clinical differences were found between the opioids.

Life-threatening upper airway obstruction in a child caused by retropharyngeal emphysema.

A 2 1/2-year-old boy with acute obstructive lung disease from adenovirus infection developed cough-induced paroxysms of intense dyspnoea leading to respiratory failure. Chest x-ray and fluoroscopy demonstrated retropharyngeal air occluding the airway. The clinical management of this and similar air-leak problems is discussed.